Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of totally no tube three-port thoracoscopic surgery (TNTT) for thymic tumor via lateral thoracic approach. Methods The clinical data of patients with thymoma admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from November 2021 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a TNTT group and a single utility port video-assisted thoracic surgery (SVATS) group according to different surgical methods. The clinical data were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 111 patients were collected. There were 44 patients in the TNTT group, including 20 males and 24 females, with an average age of 60.11±8.64 years, and 67 patients in the SVATS group, including 30 males and 37 females, with an average age of 62.40±7.92 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the baseline data (P>0.05). The postoperative hospital stay and intraoperative blood loss were shorter or less in the TNTT group (P<0.05), and the visual analogue scale score 48 hours after the operation was smaller in the SVATS group (P<0.05). Conclusion TNTT has a good surgical safety, and can shorten postoperative hospital stay, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and has significant advantages in enhanced recovery after surgery, but SVATS can reduce postoperative pain in patients.

Objective To analyze the learning curve of Da Vinci robotic segmentectomy. Methods Cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) was used to analyze the learning curve of Da Vinci robotic segmentectomy performed by the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from February 2018 to December 2020. The learning curve was obtained by fitting, and R2 was used to judge the goodness of fitting. The clinical data of patients in different stages of learning curve were compared and analyzed. Results The first 50 patients who received Da Vinci robotic segmentectomy were included, including 24 males and 26 females, with an average age of 61.9±10.6 years. The operation time decreased gradually with the accumulation of operation patients. The goodness of fitting coefficient reached the maximum value when R2=0.907 (P<0.001), CUSUM (n) =0.009×n3−0.953×n2+24.968×n−7.033 (n was the number of patients). The fitting curve achieved vertex crossing when the number of patients reached 17. Based on this, 50 patients were divided into two stages: a learning and improving stage and a mastering stage. There were statistical differences in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, number of lymph node dissection, postoperative catheter time, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications between the two stages (P<0.05). Conclusion It shows that the technical competency for assuring feasible perioperative outcomes can be achieved when the cumulative number of surgical patients reaches 17.

Objective    To compare and analyze the therapeutic effects of robot-assisted lobectomy and segmentectomy for stage ⅠA non-small cell lung cancer with a diameter≤2 cm. Methods    A total of 181 patients with pathologically confirmed stage ⅠA non-small cell lung cancer (diameter≤2 cm) who underwent robot-assisted lobectomy and segmentectomy in our hospital from 2018 to 2021 were included. There were 74 males and 107 females with an average age of 57.50±10.60 years. They were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure: a segmentectomy group (85 patients) and a lobectomy group (96 patients). Results    There was no statistically significant  difference between the two groups in terms of clinical data such as age, gender, smoking history, basic disease, pathological type, tumour diameter, operative time, postoperative 24 h drainage volume and overall complications (P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss (33.88±16.26 mL vs. 39.27±19.48 mL, P=0.046), groups of dissected lymph nodes (4.76±1.19 vs. 5.52±1.46, P=0.000), number of dissected lymph nodes (14.81±7.23 vs. 18.06±7.70, P=0.004) and postoperative 72 h drainage volume (561.65±225.31 mL vs. 649.84±324.34 mL, P=0.037) of patients in the segmentectomy were less than those in the lobectomy group. The chest drainage time (5.49±3.92 d vs. 7.60±4.96 d, P=0.002) and postoperative hospital stay time (7.47±4.16 d vs. 9.67±5.50 d, P=0.003) were shorter than those in the lobectomy group. There was no conversion to thoracotomy or perioperative death in the two groups. The postoperative follow-up rate was 100.0% with a longest follow-up time of 48 months. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of the segmentectomy group and lobectomy group were 87.7% and 92.4%, respectively (P=0.465). Conclusion    The da Vinci robot-assisted lobectomy and segmentectomy are safe and feasible surgical procedures for patients with stage ⅠA non-small cell lung cancer (diameter≤2 cm), with a similar 3-year recurrence-free survival rate. The lobectomy group has more lymph nodes dissected, while the segmentectomy group is superior to the lobectomy group in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative 72 h chest drainage volume, chest drainage time and postoperative hospitalization time.

Objective    To summarize the efficacy of robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of left upper lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer. Methods    The clinical data of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent left upper lobectomy with RATS or VATS in our center from January 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to surgical methods: a RATS group and a VATS group. The baseline clinical data and results were compared between the two groups. Results    A total of 145 patients were included. There were 78 males and 67 females with a mean age of 59.9 years. There were 63 patients in the RATS group and 82 patients in the VATS group. There was no death within 30 days after operation in both groups. In the RATS group, the drainage volume on the second postoperative day (233.49±83.94 mL vs. 284.88±120.21 mL, P=0.003), total operative time (126.94±29.50 min vs. 181.59±61.51 min, P=0.000), intraoperative resection time of the left upper lobe (76.48±27.52 min vs. 107.23±47.84 min, P=0.000), intraoperative blood loss (P=0.000), and conversion rate to thoracotomy (P=0.018) were significantly better than those in the VATS group. The group (5.41±0.94 groups vs. 4.83±1.31 groups, P=0.002) and number (18.27±7.39 vs. 12.76±6.54, P=0.000) of dissected lymph nodes in the RATS group were significantly more than those in the VATS group. The differences in the drainage volume on the first day after operation, postoperative intubation time, postoperative hospital stay or postoperative complications between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion    The application of RATS in the left upper lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer is safe and feasible, and has obvious advantages over VATS.

Objective     To analyze the risk factors for postoperative length of stay (PLOS) after mediastinal tumor resection by robot-assisted non-endotracheal intubation and to optimize the perioperative process. Methods    The clinical data of patients who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted mediastinal tumor resection with non-endotracheal intubation at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the median PLOS, the patients were divided into two groups. The univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze risk factors for prolonged PLOS (longer than median PLOS). Results    A total of 190 patients were enrolled, including 92 males and 98 females with a median age of 51.5 (41.0, 59.0) years. The median PLOS of all patients was 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) d. There were 71 patients in the PLOS>3 d group and 119 patients in the PLOS≤3 d group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that indwelled thoracic catheter [OR=11.852, 95%CI (2.384, 58.912), P=0.003], preoperative symptoms of muscle weakness [OR=4.814, 95%CI (1.337, 17.337), P=0.016] and postoperative visual analogue scale>5 points [OR=6.696, 95%CI (3.033, 14.783), P<0.001] were independent factors for prolonged PLOS. Totally no tube (TNT) allowed patients to be discharged on the first day after surgery. Conclusion    Robot-assisted mediastinal tumor resection with non-endotracheal intubation can promote rapid recovery. The methods of optimizing perioperative process are TNT, controlling muscle weakness symptoms and postoperative pain relief.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and associated chronic pain in corticobasal syndrome (CBS).Methods:Clinical data of 8 patients diagnosed as probable CBS or possible CBS admitted to Beijing Hospital during January 2010 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical information included sex, age, course of disease, chief complaint, neurological examination, blood biochemistry, tumor marker, infection and other laboratory tests; the neuropsychological evaluation included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD); the imaging studies included cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ( 18F-FDG PET). Results:The main clinical manifestations were asymmetrical movement disorders, including rigidity, tremor, myoclonus and abnormalities in posture and gait. Patients showed poor response to levodopa treatment. Among 8 patients, 7 had apraxia, 5 patients had alien hand, and 5 patients had various degrees of cognitive dysfunction. The cranial MRI demonstrated mild cerebral atrophy which was slightly more severe in the contralateral side of the initially affected limb in 7 of the 8 patients. The 18F-FDG PET scan revealed asymmetric decreased metabolism in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobe, as well as in basal ganglia, which was more severe in the contralateral side of the initially affected limb in 5 of the 8 patients. Six of the 8 patients were associated with pain, including dystonic pain in 3 patients, neuropathic pain in 1 patient, musculoskeletal pain in 1 patient, and unexplained pain in 1 patient. Pain was the onset symptom in 1 patient and pain was relieved by taking levodopa in another patient. Conclusions:CBS is characterized by asymmetric dyskinesia and cognitive impairment, and often associated with apraxia, cortical sensory deficits, and alien limb. The MRI and PET are helpful for CBS diagnosis. Pain may be one of the common non-motor symptoms in CBS.

Objective    To analyze risk factors for chronic cough after minimally invasive resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore the possible prevention measures. Methods    A total of 128 NSCLC patients who received minimally invasive resection in 2018 in our hospital were enrolled, including 63 males and 65 females with an average age of 60.82±9.89 years. The patients were allocated into two groups: a robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) group (56 patients) and a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) group (72 patients). Chronic cough was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), meanwhile, other perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative chronic cough and explore the prevention strategies. Results    Overall, 61 (47.7%) patients were diagnosed with chronic cough after surgery, including 25 (44.6%) patients in the RATS group and 36 (50.0%) patients in the VATS group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the VATS group, the RATS group got shorter endotracheal intubation time (P=0.009) and less blood loss (P<0.001). The univariate analysis showed that age (P=0.014), range of surgery (P=0.021), number of dissected lymph nodes (P=0.015), preoperative cough (P=0.006), endotracheal intubation time (P=0.004) were the influencing factors for postoperative chronic cough. The multivariate analysis showed that age <57 years (OR=3.006, 95%CI 1.294-6.986, P=0.011), preoperative cough (OR=3.944, 95%CI 4.548-10.048, P=0.004), endotracheal intubation time ≥172 min (OR=2.316, 95%CI 1.027-5.219, P=0.043), lobectomy (OR=2.651, 95%CI 1.052-6.681, P=0.039) were the independent risk factors for chronic cough. Conclusion    There is no statistical difference in postoperative chronic cough between the RATS and VATS groups. The RATS group gets less blood loss and shorter endotracheal intubation time. Patients with younger age (<57 years), preoperative cough, lobectomy, and longer duration of endotracheal intubation (≥172 min) are more likely to have chronic cough after surgery.

Objective    To investigate the preoperative localization of pulmonary glabrous nodules. Methods    A total of 192 patients admitted to General Hospital of  Northern Theater Command from April 2012 to September 2019 were selected for the study. There were 95 males and 97 females at an age of 56.47±11.79 years. All patients completed preoperative examination, and were divided into a positioning group (n=97) and a non-positioning group (n=95) according to whether the preoperative positioning was performed. And the surgical indicators between the two groups were compared. According to the substance of ground-glass opacity, they were divided into a pure ground-glass nodules group (n=23) and a mixed ground-glass nodules group (n=74) in the positioning group and a pure ground-glass nodules group (n=14) and a mixed ground-glass nodules group (n=81) in the non-positioning group . According to the size and distance of the nodules from the pleura and whether the nodules could be detected, the corresponding linear function was obtained. Results    The operative time of methylene blue localization group was shorter than that of the no localization group. In the scatter plot, the corresponding diameter and depth of the nodules and the corresponding coordinate points which can be explored were described. And linear regression was performed on all the coordinate points to obtain the linear function: depth=0.648×diameter–1.446 (mm). It can be used as an indication for the preoperative localization of pure ground-glass nodules in Da Vinci robotic surgery. Linear function: depth=0.559 5×diameter+0.56 (mm). It can be used as an indication of preoperative localization of mixed ground-glass nodules in Da Vinci robotic surgery. Conclusion    This equation can be used as a preoperative indication for clinical peripheral pulmonary ground-glass nodules.

Objective    To explore the feasibility of robotic sleeve lobectomy and bronchoplasty and to summarize the experience of quality control and technical process management. Methods    From January to December 2018, our hospital completed robotic sleeve lobectomy and bronchoplasty for 5 patients, including the upper right lung lobe in 2 patients, the middle right lung lobe in 1 patient and the lower left lung lobe in 2 patients. There were 3 males and 2 females with an age of 56.6 (39-75) years. The surgical approach was the same as the surgical incision of the robotic lobectomy. During the operation, the lobes were separated, all enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were cleaned, pulmonary hilum was dissected, pulmonary arteriovenous vessels and bronchi were exposed, and pulmonary vessels were treated. After exposing the main bronchi, the bronchi were cut off at the distal end of the lesion, and the lobes where the lesion was located (including lesions) were excised by sleeve type and the bronchi were continuously sutured with 3-0 Prolene from the back wall for anastomosis. After the anastomosis, no air leakage was found in the expanded lung, and the anastomosis was no longer wrapped. Results    The operation time was 147.4 (100-192) min, including bronchial anastomosis time 17.6 (14-25) min. Intraoperative blood loss was 60.0 (20-100) mL, and 20 (9-37) lymph nodes were dissected. Three patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 1 adenocarcinoma, and 1 neuroendocrine tumor. All patients showed negative results in the freezing pathology of bronchial stump during operation. All patients recovered well after surgery, without perioperative complications, and the anastomosis was smooth. Postoperative hospital stay was 10.8 (7-14) days. The patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months without anastomotic stenosis or other complications. Conclusion    Since the robot system is a special instrument with 3D vision and 7 degrees of freedom for movable joints, the robotic bronchial suture is more flexible and accurate. The robotic sleeve lobectomy and bronchoplasty are safe and feasible.

The aim of this study was to provide a summary estimate of depression prevalence among people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in comparison to those without AS. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane database library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database from their inception to December 2016. The results showed that thirty-one eligible studies involving 8,106 patients were analyzed. Fifteen methods of defining depression were reported. The overall pooled prevalence of depression was 35% (95% CI, 28–43%), with high between-study heterogeneity (I²=98.8%, p<0.001). The relative risk of depression among people with AS was 1.76 (95% CI: 1.21–2.55, eight studies, n=3,006) compared with people without AS. The depression score [standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.67, seven studies, n=549] was higher in AS patients than in controls. The main influence on depression prevalence was the sample size and country of origin. In conclusion, one-third of people with AS experience symptoms of depression. Depression was more prevalent in AS patients than in controls. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing and treating depression among AS patients.
China ; Depression ; Humans ; Population Characteristics ; Prevalence ; Sample Size ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing